Functional Connectivity of the Brain Across Rodents and Humans

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) measures spontaneous brain activity via blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals.
• Rodent models are vital for studying brain functional connectivity, but cross-species translation requires understanding species-specific BOLD signal characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare similarities and differences in rs-fMRI findings between rodent and human subjects.
• To highlight the utility of rs-fMRI as a translational tool in neuroscience, particularly for studying neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of anatomical features, rs-fMRI acquisition parameters, and data preprocessing techniques across species.
• Examination of homologous functional networks, global signal topography, and structural-functional connectivity relationships.
• Comparison of time-varying functional connectivity features using sliding window, quasi-periodic, and coactivation pattern analyses.

Main Results:

• Identified key similarities and differences in BOLD signal fluctuations and functional connectivity patterns between rodents and humans.
• Demonstrated the comparability of homologous brain networks across species.
• Highlighted the influence of anatomical and technical factors on functional connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Cross-species comparison of rs-fMRI data is essential for advancing translational neuroscience.
• rs-fMRI serves as a valuable tool for investigating brain function and disorders across species.
• Further research is needed to refine cross-species analytical methods and fully leverage translational potential.